AFL 2024: All the latest Port Adelaide news ahead of round 3 clash with Melbourne

Port Adelaide ‘couldn’t have done more work’ on its goalkicking over summer – but the Power has still kicked more behinds than any other side this year. So, what’s the issue?

Port Adelaide forwards coach Chad Cornes says the Power is confident of its new goalkicking program producing “great results” in 2024.

The unbeaten Power averages the most behinds per game so far this season with 19 – and is averaging 17 goals – but they have played a game less than six other teams.

This has been very much bolstered by the Power’s 16.24 effort in its 50-point win over West Coast in Round 1.

Ken Hinkley’s side also averaged the most behinds per game in 2023 with 12.6.

Club great Cornes said the Power had focused significantly on its goalkicking over pre-season and he was confident the results would come.

Chad Cornes said the second half against Richmond was a positive when it came to the Power’s goalkicking. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Jeremy Finlayson kicked 0.4 against West Coast in Round 1. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos

“Just so all the supporters out there know and understand, the goalkicking program has probably been the biggest focus for us over the off-season,” he said.

“We couldn’t have done more work on it, we’ve spoken to experts in the field, we’ve implemented a real strong program that we believe works.”

Cornes said the second half in the win over Richmond at the MCG on Sunday was a step in the right direction, in which the Power kicked 13.5 after a 5.9 first half.

“There have obviously been some ups and downs in the first couple of games but I think the positive on the weekend was to kick 13.5 from where we were at half time,” he said.

“The boys went back to that process and stuck to that process for much of the second half and we got good results.

“There will be some teething issues with this new program, which always happens when you implement something new.

“But the coaches and players fully believe in this program, supporters please stick with us. We are confident we will see great results as the season progresses.

“We couldn’t have done more of it, it has been a huge focus and one we are confident in.”

The Power take on Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night as it begins a run of six out of its next seven matches in South Australia.

Jason Horne-Francis will miss another game with a hamstring issue. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Port will be without Jason Horne-Francis for the clash against the Demons with the young star to miss a second game with a medial sprain in his right hamstring.

“I’ve heard that is the first time he has had a soft tissue injury so he wasn’t sure what it was last week,” Cornes said.

“He thought it was DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) or a bit of soreness after the game, but there was a little bit more there.

“I don’t think it is serious but with hamstrings you don’t want to rush them back too quickly.”

The Power should get small forward Jed McEntee back to take on the Demons after he was concussed in Round 1.

Cornes said he was an important part of the forward line.

“Jed is good, another guy who the team loves playing with,” he said.

“He goes unrewarded and unheralded a lot of the time but I want to let the supporters and fans know just how appreciated he is within here and the role he plays on game day here is so important for us.

“To get him and the pressure he applies and the defensive efforts, and he has added a bit of finish to his game, back this week and then Pepp (Sam Powell-Pepper) in a couple of weeks then we have that real pressure forward line that works so well.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: All the latest Port Adelaide news ahead of round 3 clash with Melbourne